6" x 3'Mill Finish Hinged Gutter Guard.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful.
By Gift
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3UGGMRCNDHSP9 Don't be too quick to subscribe to the negative reviews.
Consumer Reports gives AmeriMax hinged guards one the highest ratings for do-it-yourself gutter guard products for a reason.
Having said that, read my instructions to save yourself time and frustration.
They sections are made of galvanized steel, so I expect them to last.
Plus, compared to having a "professional" product installed, dollar for dollar, these are a steal.
The downside is that if you were to install them as intended, the clips are a royal pain.
The manufacturer expects you to clip the sections to the front of the gutter, and to tuck the back end under the edge of the shingles.
You will quickly realize that it is not easy, and once done, they can pop back out.
My suggestion: Don't bother with the clips.
Instead, get a set of small self-threading sheet metal screws, and secure the sections right to the front edge of the gutters. Two screws per section will do. Get yourself a nice cordless power drill (although, if you set out to do this, you probably already have one), and you can install these in no time at all.
Before installing, of course, trim the sections to the desired width, seeing as the original width may bee too much for your gutters.
Trimming is best done with a pair of sheet metal sheers. Get yourself a pair under $20 at your local hardware or a big box home improvement store.
Wear good working gloves, because the metal edges are pretty sharp right out of the box, and once you cut them, the newly created edges are even sharper.
Wear eye protection as well. You are cutting metal after all.
When trimming, don't go too narrow; you want to keep the convex shape, have enough of the width to bolt them to the edge of the gutter, and have enough spring in them to keep the back edge taught under the edge of the shingles.
As the finishing touch, use the trimmings to cover the seams before the sections.
The trimmings will, most likely, be 1" strips that can cover the seams quite nicely. Tuck the back end under the shingles, and screw the front end to the gutter with a sheet metal screw.
You think it's too much work?
Well, my method of using screws is faster, easier, and more secure than using the original clips; Plus, once you get a quote for installing gutter guards by a contractor, you will be quick to re-read these instructions and go do it yourself.
That's why I'm giving it five stars; considering the benefit, and keeping in mind a relatively low price per linear foot, using screws instead of clips is not a big stretch at all. It's even easier, if you ask me. And, once installed, the product is great.
Good luck, and be safe on ladders!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful.
By Stephen Shay
The clips on these gutter guards need to be compatible with your gutters. I have aluminum gutters with boxed rims, so the clips didn't work. The clips work on flat, folded rims. I ended up flattening the gutter, and tucking them under the shingles and letting the edge sit on the gutter rim. When I saw them from the ground, I could see how they were a wavy edge. When I'm on the 2nd floor and looking over the roof on my low roof, the gutters look crude. Also, if you end up cutting these guards to fit your roof, you will need to avoid a single hinge attachment. In spring I plan on removing these eyesores and going with white vinyl guards.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful.
By trianj
As shown on the label, these guards are not meant to be installed under the shingles. They are meant to flip over the top of the shingle thereby retaining their slightly concave shape for strength and access for cleaning if necessary.
I easily completed a 75' install on rear of my home and detached garage with very minimal issues. To address the threat of wind cited by others, I used the following methods. First I overlaped each panel 1/4 inch and used a small plastic tie to connect adjoining ends to create a single run. Rather than spreading the metal clips to attach to gutter, I simply crimped gutter edge with pliers where necessary. Next, I looped a plastic tie thru each panel near the center and down around the gutter bracket to hold the system down. Finally, as suggested by several others, I inserted a stainless screw on the outer edge of panel (centered between clips) to the gutter edge to prevent them from slipping off.
Although this may sound like a lot of work, after the first few panels, I was able to install system very quickly. The result was a very sturdy system that I am confident will withstand any amount of wind the average homeowner is likely to encounter.
The only negative, as others have noted, is that the finished installation is slightly visible and may not be acceptable to some. For my wife and I, this was not a serious issue. But suggest you purchase a single panel or two at local Home Depot and experiment before purchasing in bulk from amazon.
Heavy duty wire panels and clips appear quite durable for the money......
Hurricane Sandy Update: Product held up completely during hurricane hit on Long Island. Not one panel moved.
May 2013 Spring update. Upgrading my review to 5 stars.
Despite Sandy and full winter season, installation still flawless, not one panel moved nor allowed leaves to enter gutter. Highly recommended when installed as stated.
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